Kilkenny: 3 things to do

At the heart and soul of medieval Ireland, Kilkenny is famed for its electric atmosphere played out in its maze of narrow Norman alleyways. Twisting and turning around abbeys, cathedrals and crumbling city walls, there’s even an early 12th century castle dropped in the middle of it all. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens that attract artistic locals, giddy kids and chilled-out tourists on sunny days.

Kilkenny might be small, but it’s certainly big on architectural magnificence. Wander around and you’ll come across the 6th-century St Canice’s Round Tower; the 16th-century Shea Alms House; and the 18th-century Thosel, which now serves as Kilkenny’s City Hall.

Food in Kilkenny: 3 to try

With a bustling crafts scene, arts and comedy festivals, GAA hurling specialists (shout “Go the Cats” and the locals will love you), and cracking old pubs such as Matt The Millers and Cleere's, it’s pretty much got the whole city break thing covered.

As Michael Conway, owner of the 16th-century tavern The Hole in the Wall, puts it: “The essence of the city is the living antiquity and historical lifeblood that has been preserved so magically…all mixed in with people contributing to a vibrant scene".

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